Multigene expression

Multigene expression refers to the simultaneous transcription and translation of multiple genes within a single cell, a process vital for the formation of multi-protein complexes and the regulation of intricate metabolic pathways [1]. In biotechnology and drug development, this concept is primarily applied through the use of polycistronic vectors or multicistronic systems, such as those employing internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) or 2A self-cleaving peptides, to deliver multiple therapeutic components in a single genetic construct [2]. It is also a cornerstone of precision oncology, where multigene expression signatures (e.g., 21-gene recurrence scores) are used to predict disease outcomes and guide treatment decisions [3]. Because "multigene expression" describes a broad biological phenomenon and technological methodology rather than a specific protein, enzyme, or receptor, it is not considered a discrete therapeutic target [4]. Instead, it serves as a framework for complex genetic engineering and diagnostic profiling. Key challenges in managing multigene expression include maintaining stoichiometric balance between gene products and preventing unintended gene silencing or transcriptional interference [5]. Furthermore, the measurement of multigene expression patterns allows for a more holistic understanding of cellular states compared to single-gene analysis [6]. This approach is increasingly used in the development of combination gene therapies and the identification of resistance mechanisms in cancer [7]. Sources: [1] Liu, Z., et al. (2017). "Coordinated expression of multiple genes in eukaryotic cells." Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. [2] Szymczak-Workman, A. L., et al. (2012). "Design and construction of 2A peptide-linked multicistronic vectors." Cold Spring Harbor Protocols. [3] Sotiriou, C., & Pusztai, L. (2009). "Gene-expression signatures in breast cancer." New England Journal of Medicine. [4] National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). "Gene Expression." [5] Tricoli, J. V., et al. (2004). "The role of multigene expression signatures in cancer diagnosis and prognosis." Cancer Biotherapy & Radiopharmaceuticals. [6] Wang, Y., et al. (2005). "Gene-expression profiles to predict distant metastasis of lymph-node-negative primary breast cancer." The Lancet. [7] Pusztai, L., et al. (2006). "Gene expression profiling: a new tool in the management of breast cancer." CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

Other names

Polycistronic expressionMultigene signatureCo-expressionMulticentric gene expression

Not applicable as this is a biological process rather than a specific molecular target.